Nico Vaughan, the junior class "Nice Girl" wants to be free from her abusive and obsessive ex-boyfriend.
Valen Henford, the school's resident "Rich Guy meets Bad Boy" wants to spend his senior year with the girl he's been in love with for years.
W...
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"I aspire to be an old man with an old wife laughing at old jokes from a wild youth" (Atticus).
|◁ II ▷|
My thoughts feel almost cluttered in my brain. I subtly look over at Valen before realizing he's keeping his eyes on the road.
I study his side profile, allowing myself to drink in the edge of his jaw. My gaze moves up to his nose and his lips, and I find myself drinking in my fill before I realize the car has been silent. Still, I let my hungry gaze wander.
The ball was everything I expected and nothing I could have imagined all at once.
My picture of the extravagant, elegant era of high society in the movies fit perfectly into my experience. The conversation flowed easily, and laughter rang through the large room every few moments.
Yet, I didn't feel like a part of it like the main character always does in movies. I am well aware my life isn't a movie, but it is in my point of view, which made me stupidly think I'd do just fine. I'm glad Valen stuck beside me, but I hate that he missed out on intermingling with his people because of me and my nerves and my awkwardness.
My gaze falls from his face at the thought. I really hope I didn't ruin his night. It would be horrible of me to consider it one of the best nights I've had in my life, but oh.
Feeling gorgeous and talking the night away with Valen are two things that hardly ever cross the pages of my life story, and yet, both did tonight.
My gaze moves back up to Valen, gliding across his facial features once again before my hungry eyes settle on his arms. I note the jacket laid gently on my lap before letting my gaze glide gently across his arms once again, feeling my chest and stomach grow tight with something I'm unsure of.
Nerves, maybe?
Gosh, Nico. Get a grip.
But his arms look so good. Tensed on the wheel. Dress-shirt sleeves rolled up. Veins and muscles peeking out brazenly, shamelessly.
I feel my face grow warm.
"You know earlier when I said you looked mysterious?" I speak, hoping to stop these thoughts.
"Yeah," Valen breathes, and I pause for a moment, wondering what he was thinking about.
"I didn't say handsome because the mask covers your face, but seeing you and staying with you tonight made me realize that, with or without the mask, you are very attractive."
